Ovarian Cysts

What are ovarian cysts?

Ovarian cysts are sacs or pouches filled with fluid or other substances that form in or on your ovaries. In most cases, ovarian cysts are benign or noncancerous. You can develop ovarian cysts at any time, even after menopause. 

What are the types of ovarian cysts?

There are many types of ovarian cysts. However, functional cysts are the most common and include:

Follicle cysts

A follicle cyst develops when the follicle that carries a mature egg fails to break open and release the egg during your normal menstrual cycle. Instead, the follicle continues to grow into a cyst.

Follicle cysts rarely cause symptoms and often resolve on their own within a few months. 

Corpus luteum cysts

When your egg breaks out from the follicle, the mass of cells left behind is the corpus luteum. These cells shrink and release hormones to start your next menstrual cycle. 

However, if your corpus luteum fails to shrink in size, the sac reseals itself and fills with fluid. Though corpus luteum cysts usually go away within a few weeks, they can grow large in size. 

Other types of ovarian cysts include teratoma cysts, cystadenoma cysts, and endometrioma cysts. 

What are ovarian cyst symptoms?

Ovarian cysts don’t always cause symptoms and come and go without you even being aware you have one. However, some cysts can cause symptoms such as:

• Dull ache
• Pelvic pain
• Bloating
• Pain during intercourse
• Difficulty urinating or having a bowel movement
• Breast tenderness
• Abnormal vaginal bleeding

Ovarian cysts may also rupture, causing severe, unexpected pain. If you suspect you have a ruptured ovarian cyst, go to the nearest emergency room. Ruptured ovarian cysts may lead to excessive bleeding. 

How are ovarian cysts diagnosed?

The team at Advanced Obstetrics & Gynecology, LLC, may accidentally find an ovarian cyst during your annual well-woman exam. To confirm a diagnosis, the team performs an ultrasound and blood tests. 

The team performs your ultrasound at the state-of-the-art in-office ultrasound center found at each office location. 

How are ovarian cysts treated?

Treatment for your ovarian cysts depends on the type of cyst you have and your symptoms. In most cases, the team may take a wait-and-see approach and schedule follow-up ultrasound testing to monitor your cyst.

If your cyst is large, causing severe symptoms, or the team has concerns your cyst may be cancerous, they may recommend surgery to remove the cyst, called a cystectomy. The skilled surgical experts at Advanced Obstetrics & Gynecology, LLC, perform the cystectomy using a minimally invasive surgical approach to minimize scarring, blood loss, and pain. 

To schedule an appointment with the experienced team at Advanced Obstetrics & Gynecology, LLC, to discuss options for your ovarian cyst, call the office or book online today.